Carpet Beetle Larva (most likely)
Scientific Name: Refer to the family Dermestidae for various genera and species (e.g., Anthrenus, Trogoderma, Attagenus)
Order & Family: Coleoptera, Dermestidae
Size: Typically 2-5 mm in length. The specimen in the image appears to be a very small larva, possibly around 1-2 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas where organic matter accumulates, such as under carpets, in closets, pantries, and sometimes in bird/rodent nests. They prefer dark, quiet places.
Diet & Feeding
Keratin-rich materials (wool, silk, feathers, leather, fur), dried animal products (pet food, dead insects, museum specimens), and sometimes plant-based materials (cereals, spices).
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are the damaging stage, often covered in bristles. They avoid light and crawl slowly. Adults are winged and often found near windows as they are attracted to light, or outdoors feeding on pollen and nectar.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include significant damage to textiles, carpets, clothing, and stored food products. Some people can also have allergic reactions to their bristles and shed skins. There are generally no benefits associated with their presence indoors; outdoors, some species play a role in decomposition.
Identified on: 10/10/2025